The Quezon City government welcomed the offer of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) president Ramon Ang to help address Metro Manila’s flooding problem, while emphasizing the importance of  coordinated, evidence-based solutions involving both public and private sectors.

According to the city’s Public Information Office (PIO), Quezon City plays a pivotal role in flood control efforts as major roads, waterways, and infrastructure projects pass through its jurisdiction.

The local government works closely with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Transportation (DOTr), and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to ensure community safety.

While the city cannot alter existing national projects, it is implementing its own science-based Drainage Master Plan (DMP), developed through technical studies and stakeholder consultations.

The DMP identifies flooding as a complex problem driven by multiple factors such as low-lying areas, undersized and clogged drainage pipes, disconnected drainage networks, and elevation differences, not just river obstructions.

The city government noted that nearly a quarter of its drainage pipes are below DPWH’s minimum size standards.

It also warned that narrowing river channels without complementary measures like detention basins could worsen flooding downstream, a concern supported by lessons from countries such as Singapore and Japan.

Meanwhile, several areas in Quezon City have already seen improvements through targeted interventions, including PhilAm Homes, Pearl Drive in Fairview-Commonwealth, the MRT-7 Don Antonio Station, and Apolonio Samson.

The local government called on national agencies, contractors, and private partners to align efforts, combining river improvements with upgraded drainage systems and climate-resilient infrastructure.

“Laging handa ang Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Quezon na makipag-ugnayan at makipagtulungan kasama ang pambansang pamahalaan at lahat ng mahalagang katuwang—mula sa pribadong sektor, civil society, at sa ating mga mamamayan (The Quezon City Government is always ready to coordinate and work together with the national government and all vital partners—from the private sector, civil society, and our citizens),” the city government said.

“Para sa amin, iisa lang ang layunin: ang mas mapabuti ang buhay ng bawat QCitizen—mas ligtas, mas maunlad, at mas handa sa anumang hamon (For us, there is only one goal: to improve the lives of every QCitizen—making them safer, more prosperous, and more prepared for any challenge),” it added.